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In times of artificial intelligence and gender debate
Especially in German society, things we take for granted are currently shifting: What was once considered clear regarding the prevailing image of humanity in society now appears questionable – even among Christians. Many are grappling with the question of how our beliefs still fit into this era. This article invites us to consider current developments in the light of the Bible.
Already in the first book of the Bible, it becomes clear that humankind was created in the image of God, in Latin "Imago Dei": "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them" (Genesis 1:27). This central statement in the creation narrative bestows upon every human being an inalienable dignity—regardless of gender, origin, or achievements. God created humankind uniquely as a unity of spirit, soul, and body (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:23).
This threefold humanity not only reflects the multifaceted nature of human existence but also points to the creative depth of God. In his entirety, man is destined to be made in the image of God – not only spiritually or physically, but in the harmonious interplay of all dimensions:
Substantial perspective: What defines human beings as creatures?
The image of God is reflected, among other things, in reason, moral responsibility, the ability to make decisions, and conscience. These qualities fundamentally distinguish humans from animals.
Functional perspective: What is the main task of humans?
God calls humankind to name, cultivate, and care for His creation – not as exploiters, but as stewards under divine authority. Being made in God's image therefore also means responsibility.
Relational view: Humans as social beings
Human beings were created for relationships, both with God and with their fellow human beings. This capacity for love, community, and loyalty is part of the divine reflection in humanity.
Christological fulfillment: The true human being in the image of Christ
In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is described as the perfect image of God (cf. Col 1:15; Heb 1:3). In following Christ, we grow into this likeness – not through our own efforts, but through the work of the Holy Spirit (cf. Rom 8:29).
Current relevance: Why these topics are crucial right now
In the gender debate, the fact that humans were created as male and female reminds us that gender is part of divine identity. With regard to artificial intelligence (AI), this holds true: only humans bear the "Imago Dei." Machines, however "intelligent" they may appear, remain tools without spirit or dignity.
Despite this perfect creation—with all the dignity, authority, and dominion that God had entrusted to humankind on earth—something tragic occurred: the Fall. With this single event, humanity lost its spiritual authority, its original holy nature, its close relationship with God, its spiritual vitality—it became dead in sin (cf. Eph 2:1), and a profound rift opened between humanity and its Creator. Sin created an unbridgeable chasm between us and God.
But praise be to God: Through Jesus Christ, restoration is possible! In Him alone are we restored to our original purpose: to holiness, righteousness, and fellowship with the Father (cf. 2 Cor 5:17–21; Col 1:21–22). Therefore, we cannot speak of humanity in the true image of God and simultaneously exclude Christ. He is not only the model but the prerequisite for the restoration of our original humanity.
Created as male and female – a gender perspective from a biblical point of view
It is alarming how strongly our society is attempting to redefine what it means to be human. In the gender debate, the so-called "gender mainstreaming" movement increasingly advocates that gender is a matter of choice. Same-sex partnerships are also seen as an equivalent alternative to marriage between a man and a woman. But what does this actually mean?
If we set the Bible aside and orient ourselves solely towards social constructs, we lose sight of the divine definition of humanity. That is why it is crucial right now to delve deeply into Holy Scripture in order to show today's society anew who humanity truly is: created as male and female – in the image of God.
Before we go any further, we must acknowledge a fundamental truth: However intelligent, creative, and superior human beings may be, our lives are not defined by ourselves. They are predetermined by the Creator. Our task is not to reinvent ourselves, but to discover and embrace what God has already created. This begins with our own nature—as man or woman—and extends to the environment for which we bear responsibility.
We are called to handle with care what God, in His wisdom and goodness, has ordained. The Bible tells us that God formed humankind after He had created heaven and earth, animals and plants. He gave humankind a special task: to rule over the earth and to care for it (see Genesis 2:15). Humankind became God's steward and manager—not its creator. Their first responsibility was to discover, name, and treat with care what already existed (see Genesis 2:19). In this way, they became God's representative—not destined for self-fulfillment, but for the faithful stewardship of what had been entrusted to them.
The polarity of man and woman is not a cultural relic, but an expression of a divine order. Therefore, it is not discriminatory, but rather in accordance with creation. It is a prerequisite for reproduction, but also for complementarity, relationship, and unity in diversity.
The differences between men and women are not a social construct, but divine order. Already in the creation account, God makes clear the role of man: he is provider, bearer of responsibility, and head of the relationship (cf. Genesis 2:15; Ephesians 5:23). Likewise, the role of woman is mentioned: she is helper, giver of life, and founder of relationships (cf. Genesis 2:18; Genesis 3:20). This division of roles does not influence hierarchy or the dignity of either gender, but rather expresses mutual complementarity in a shared mission. It represents order, not oppression.
Unfortunately, many scientific approaches and social movements today attempt to deny precisely this. They claim that every person has the right to completely determine their own identity—especially regarding their gender. But this is exactly where the deception lies. As Christians, we know who is behind this confusion: the enemy of truth—Satan. Since his fall, he has tried to distort God's good creation, to seduce people, to rebel against God's order, or even to destroy it (cf. John 8:44).
Attempts to reject or reverse our God-given gender roles have not only contributed to the breakdown of many families but have also created a new problem: a growing identity crisis, especially among young people who are increasingly losing their bearings. This crisis is no accident—it is the result of a society that has distanced itself from its Creator.
Identity and orientation in today's society
"Who am I?" – Many people ask themselves this question today. Unfortunately, they rarely find the answer in the light of their Creator, but rather in the mirror of what society offers. Identity is no longer sought in relationship with God, but in the pursuit of self-realization and personal authority. Particularly in the West, a strong longing for freedom can be observed – a freedom that knows no bounds. People are fighting almost fiercely to break free from all constraints: cultural, moral, biological, and increasingly also spiritual. Freedom is good in itself, but not the kind of freedom that ends in rebellion.
God gave humankind free will at creation. This autonomy was an expression of dignity and responsibility (cf. Deuteronomy 30:19). However, this gift has been misused from the very beginning: instead of living in relationship with God, humankind chose its own path and distanced itself from the Creator and the original meaning of life. Even today, freedom is often used not for devotion, but for turning away from the divine plan. This leads to an increasing alienation from God's original purpose for humankind.
This is precisely where the crucial difference lies: In Christ, we long to return to dependence on God. This stands in stark contrast to today's view of humanity, which emphasizes self-determination and detachment. But the Holy Spirit, who works within us, draws us back to the original image of humanity—the image we lost through sin. In Christ, we recognize true humanity: submission to God's will, daily devotion, and a readiness to follow Him.
This attitude is a visible sign that the image of God is restored within us—not from ourselves, but through the grace we encounter in Jesus Christ (cf. Rom 8:29; 2 Cor 3:18). What religion alone cannot accomplish, what no moral effort can achieve, the Holy Spirit accomplishes within us through regeneration (cf. Jn 3:3–6; Tit 3:5). Only in Christ do we become a “new creation” (cf. 2 Cor 5:17)—capable of living as God intended from the beginning.
Modern lifestyle or perversion?
Today's society understands "modernity" to mean a liberal lifestyle that has broken away from traditional or conservative values. Freedom, self-determination, inclusion, and diversity are key buzzwords. They stand for openness, tolerance, and social progress—or so it is claimed. But closer examination reveals that what is often considered modernity today is, from a biblical perspective, in many cases a deliberate rejection of the Creator's will—a distortion of divine order.
A particularly striking example is the area of sexuality. Where do ideas like homosexuality, bisexuality, polyamory, even bestiality – and the entire ideological movement that now gathers under the LGBTQIA+ banner – actually come from? What lies behind it? And more importantly: What is the hidden spiritual agenda?
With all due respect and dignity, I allow myself the following observation: What is today marketed under buzzwords like "sexual diversity" is in many cases not an expression of true freedom, but a sign of profound spiritual and moral decay. Truth is exchanged for falsehood (cf. Romans 1:25). What God created as good, holy, and life-affirming is deliberately redefined, relativized, and robbed of its original meaning.
If we fail to recognize that all of this is a direct consequence of the Fall—a seed of perversion that has been at work in the human heart since the break with God's holiness—then we become entangled in endless discourses claiming this is merely a contemporary lifestyle. Think about it! It's not simply a new social option.
It is a clear sign that sin reigns where God's justice is rejected. This development is not progress, but spiritual regression—an invasion of evil into human thought and feeling. And it is certainly not the path God originally intended for us. We also find clear statements on this in the New Testament (see 1 Corinthians 6:9–10). Yet the same passage continues: “And such were some of you; but you were washed […] justified in the name of the Lord Jesus” (1 Corinthians 6:11). The gospel speaks the truth—and at the same time offers forgiveness, cleansing, and restoration.
What religion and morality cannot accomplish, only the cross can: the conversion of man to God, the restoration of his vocation and identity. The modern lifestyle may be loud, colorful, and seemingly tolerant—but it cannot satisfy the inner hunger for truth, love, and purity. Only those who encounter Christ will be truly free (cf. John 8:36).
Therefore, it is our duty as Christians not to remain silent. Not out of self-righteousness, but out of responsibility. Not out of fear of the spirit of the age, but out of love for humanity. Truth without love becomes harsh and legalistic – but love without truth becomes powerless. Christ unites both. And we are called to speak and live in His Spirit.
Our role as human beings
In a time when humanity increasingly uses itself as the measure of all things, it is important to remember humanity's original purpose. We were not created by chance or without purpose, but with a clear role and responsibility—as the image of God on this earth. We should always be aware that, as beings created by God with extraordinary intelligence, we have been endowed with the unique ability to discover, name, order, and use His creation responsibly. This "subduing" does not mean exploitation, but stewardship in accordance with God's will—careful and God-centered action that serves life. This, however, was never intended to happen independently of God.
Quite the contrary: From the very beginning, humankind was destined to fulfill its purpose in accordance with God's will—in humility, dependence, and worship. Researching, discovering, creating—all of this is part of our calling, but only truly beneficial when it occurs in relationship with the Creator. Adam himself was given the task in the Garden of Eden of naming the animals (see Genesis 2:19–20). This was not an act of arbitrary naming, but a sign of authority and knowledge—within the framework of our relationship with God. Creation was God's gift, and its stewardship was our calling.
But as soon as humanity began to place itself at the center, this calling was distorted. Instead of preserving, there is exploitation. Instead of serving, there is domination. Instead of honoring God, there is self-glorification. The Tower of Babel
(cf. 1.Mo 11:1–9) is the early symbol of this pride: people wanted to “make a name for themselves” independently of God, using the means of their own abilities.
Dealing with innovations
As already mentioned, we humans were created with a unique ability: We are explorers, researchers, stewards – not creators in the divine sense, but made in God's image with a high degree of cognitive capacity. This gift distinguishes us from all other creatures. It enables us to look deeper into God's creation, to recognize patterns, and to utilize connections.
What we see today in modern society—all the scientific discoveries, technological developments, and digital innovations—should not lead us to glorify ourselves or proudly speak of “human achievements,” but rather to kneel before our Creator in gratitude and reverence. For these abilities to discover and create are not our own doing, but part of what God placed in humankind from the beginning (cf. Exodus 31:2–6; James 1:17).
We humans may be amazed by what is possible today, but God is not. For He knew from the beginning that this potential was inherent in humankind. It was part of His good creation. But as with all abilities, God is watching how we use them. He is not only concerned with the discovery itself, but with the attitude of the heart. Is the technological advancement used with humility or with pride?
The Tower of Babel is the biblical archetype of human self-glorification through technology. There, too, the focus was on progress, cooperation, and "innovation," but without God. Humankind sought to make a name for itself. The result was confusion and distraction. Today, we face a similar danger: technology and science can be means to honor God—or tools to separate ourselves from Him.
Artificial intelligence, for example, holds great potential, but also serious risks: it can help improve human life or lead us to disempower, degrade, or even render God superfluous. The question, therefore, is not whether we as human beings should (or may) research, develop, and create—that is part of our calling—but how we do it and with what goal: with pride or wonder, with self-deification or with humble gratitude. In this context, let us consider what is arguably the most advanced development of our time: artificial intelligence (AI).
Artificial intelligence – curse or blessing?
It is a cause for gratitude how far we as humanity have come in recent decades. Artificial intelligence is undoubtedly one of the most impressive technological developments of our time. And it is not the result of a sudden inspiration, but the product of decades of research, collaborative efforts, and continuous breakthroughs.
A brief overview shows the way:
- 1950s–1970s: First symbolic AI, based on logical rules and problem-solving approaches.
- 1980s: Rise of expert systems, especially in industrial applications.
- 1990s–2000s: Transition to machine learning – with a focus on statistics and algorithms.
- From the 2010s to the present day: Revolution through Deep Learning – neural networks, systems such as GPT or AlphaGo, as well as diverse applications in medicine, finance, communication and everyday life.
In other words, we shouldn't question innovation itself, but rather how we use it and what we make of it. Just as with previous technological breakthroughs, the potential of AI lies in its application – not in its existence. AI can simplify everyday life and improve it in many ways: whether through voice assistants, autonomous vehicles, medical diagnostic systems, translation software, or complex data analysis – the possibilities are enormous. Systems like ChatGPT or other AI models specializing in language processing help people worldwide to better understand information, communicate more quickly, and support creative processes.
I would by no means reject artificial intelligence outright – quite the contrary. I see for myself how much it simplifies, structures, and accelerates my daily work. But on the other hand, I must also say: it is beginning to subtly mislead many people – through false perceptions, misuse, and a lack of responsibility.
As a university lecturer, I see, for example, how students are increasingly relying on ChatGPT instead of going to the library, reading books, or working independently on their assignments. This is a problematic trend. Because ultimately, the educational process isn't just about finished results, but about who you become through the process. If the learning journey is replaced by machine-generated answers, we lose not only the depth of education but also character development. We can't simply push students through exams because they've formally submitted texts if the actual growth along the way has been ignored.
The same applies to the spiritual realm. When preachers start having their sermons entirely created using ChatGPT, instead of praying for them themselves, studying God's Word, and being led by the Holy Spirit, preaching degenerates into content-rich but powerless speech. There's a big difference between using a tool like ChatGPT to create my sermons and...
to correct or organize my own thoughts linguistically, or whether I ask it to write the entire message for me. It is precisely at this point that it is important to reflect on the difference between human and artificial intelligence. For inspiration, spiritual insight, calling, experience, empathy, repentance, humility, etc. – AI cannot produce these. These are qualities that arise from a relationship with the living God – not from a data set. The biblical principle is clear: “Everything is permissible for me, but not everything is beneficial” (1 Corinthians 6:12).
The essential difference between humans and artificial intelligence
There are always voices in the scientific and technological world that dream of one day creating a "human being" in a laboratory. This is not only an expression of human arrogance, but also based on a fundamental error—indeed, a dangerous form of self-deception. Why? Because humans are not merely composed of material parts, but are a threefold unity of mind, soul, and body.
(cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:23). We may be able to study the human brain, decipher genetic codes, and reconstruct organs, but we cannot create a person's soul. And the spirit that God breathes into people (cf. Genesis 2:7),
We can neither understand nor imitate. God alone is the originator of life. “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, and the son of man that you care for them?” (Psalm 8:5). This humble question from David makes it clear that humankind has a special place in creation—one that can never be artificially reproduced.
The difference between humans and artificial intelligence can be described on several levels:
1. Origin and Nature
Human being: An organism created by God with a physical body, an immortal soul, and a divinely breathed-in spirit. He is created in the image of God (cf. Genesis 1:27) – with dignity, identity, and eternal value.
AI: A system developed by humans, based on codes, algorithms, and data. It possesses no biological body, no soul, and no divine breath – therefore, no true life.
2. Consciousness and self-awareness
Human being: He knows himself, asks existential questions ("Who am I?", "What is the purpose of my life?"), reflects on morality, faith and eternity.
AI: Processes information without consciousness. It "knows" nothing – it calculates answers based on probabilities and rules, without understanding itself.
3. Emotions and Empathy
Human beings have genuine feelings, can experience joy, mourn, love, and forgive – because they possess a soul (cf. Luke 10:27).
AI: Can simulate emotions, but cannot experience them. It only reacts "emotionally" according to predefined parameters, without inner connection or genuine empathy.
4. Creativity and freedom
Human being: Is creative, inspired, intuitive – capable of true originality. They can make free decisions and take responsibility.
AI: Can only rely on existing patterns. It is reactive, not intuitive – productive, but not creative in the human sense.
5. Morality and Responsibility
Human beings bear moral responsibility – before God, before others, and before themselves. Their decisions have spiritual and eternal consequences (cf. Romans 14:12).
AI: It bears no responsibility. It does not act ethically, but functionally – its effect depends entirely on the person who programs or uses it.
6. Aim and Purpose
Human beings: Created for relationship with God and fellow human beings. Their lives have a meaning that transcends this world – they are destined for eternity (cf. Ecclesiastes 3:11).
AI: It is a tool without intrinsic purpose. Its "goal" is purely functional – it performs tasks, but does not live for any meaning.
Final thoughts
For all the autonomy we have been given and for all the freedom we increasingly demand in this modern world, one thing remains unchanged: We are and will always remain human beings—creatures of God. And however impressive our scientific achievements and technological innovations may be, they do not alter our origin, our destiny, or our purpose. The best way to truly know ourselves and live in accordance with our calling is to return to our Creator. He alone knows the blueprint of our lives. He alone can lead us, through His Word and His Spirit, to a life that is not merely modern or efficient, but above all meaningful, fruitful, and pleasing to God .
“For in him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28). May this truth shape our attitude and our actions – today and in the future!
Jack David Kayindu
Municipality of Molbergen